Roberto Mancini hopes Europe distracts Manchester United from title race

Roberto Mancini claims Manchester United’s impending Champions League clash
with Real Madrid could tilt the title race back in Manchester City’s favour
after insisting that only a “very small” gap will separate the two clubs by
the end of the month.

Upbeat: Roberto Mancini says the title race is far from over despite Manchester City trailing rivals United by seven pointsPhoto: PA

City face the prospect of falling 10 points behind Premier League ­leaders United ahead of the match with Liverpool tomorrow if Sir Alex Ferguson’s team win at Fulham this evening.

But with United due to play the first leg of their last-16 tie against Real in the Bernabeu on Feb 13, Mancini believes that the distraction of tackling the Spanish champions will offer City the chance to close in on their neighbours.

“They [Real Madrid] are two important games for United, so I think that February and March could be the time when it’s possible to decide this championship,” Mancini said.

“In every championship, no team has ever won the title in January and I think that, when we arrive at the end of February, the gap will be very, very small. If United have a lead of seven, eight or nine points in April, it could be difficult, but in this moment, we have a big chance.

“Every team during the season has two or three weeks when they don’t play well, when their performances go down and they don’t score. It could be the same for them [United] now.”

The departure of Mario Balotelli to AC Milan this week has reduced Mancini’s attacking options over the final weeks of this campaign, despite the City manager admitting that 20-year-old Swedish forward John Guidetti will be promoted to the squad once he proves his fitness following a debilitating virus.

Long-term, Mancini aims to replace Balotelli with a proven goalscorer this summer, with Napoli forward Edinson Cavani the Italian’s favoured option. And while Mancini admires Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, the potential cost of luring the Uruguayan from Anfield, in terms of fee and wages, would all but certainly rule out such a move.

Mancini was careful, however, to avoid talking up a bid for Suarez when asked of the likelihood of attempting to sign Liverpool's leading goalscorer. “Suarez for me is a top player. I like him because he is strong. For me is one of the best in England, but he plays for Liverpool.

“For us, selling Balotelli was a good situation because, in this moment, we can start to work to find another solution for the summer. I think it was good for him and us.”